Historic Ferryboat In Sausalito

Entire rental unit in Sausalito, California

  1. 6 guests
  2. 3 bedrooms
  3. 3 beds
  4. 2 baths
Hosted by Chris
  1. Superhost
  2. 14 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

In Sausalito, near the Golden Gate

In Sausalito's houseboat community, a short drive to San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge

A chef's kitchen on the water

A Wolf six-burner range, fully stocked cookware, and a solarium dining area overlooking the bay

A stay guests keep coming back to

Guests call this a one-of-a-kind stay, with many returning for repeat visits
Three bedroom, two baths in an magical, unique and luxurious setting, with easy access to the City and Country.

The space
As seen on Netflix, "Worlds's Most Amazing Vacation Homes"! (Search for S1 E3 "Boats and Floats" to see this.)

One of the world's most spectacular homes is now available as a vacation rental. This is the American equivalent of renting a castle in Spain or an ancient stone villa in Tuscany. Yet with the luxury and conveniences of a five star hotel.

The SS City of Seattle (Yellow Ferry) was originally launched in 1888. She is the oldest surviving ferryboat on the West Coast. The Ferry combines luxury and convenience in a spectacular and memorable setting. Surrounded by open water, she is simply the best houseboat in the best berth. Suitable for couples, or families, the Yellow Ferry offers the vacation experience of a lifetime.

The rental suite on the Yellow Ferry is over 2,500 square feet. One enters the Ferry into an open great room that is over 1,000 square ft, but divided into separate areas for dining and lounging. Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows looking out to the bay, the main room is both spacious and intimate. The original deck consists of three-inch thick, virgin Douglas Fir, inlaid with Teak. You will quickly find there is a timeless and soothing quality to being surrounded by 120 year old wooden timbers and beams.

Off the living room is huge solarium, surrounded by glass doors. Here you can sit or dine feeling like you are perched over the water, looking at panoramic views of the Bay, the sailboats and Mt. Tamalpais. The solarium is connected the living room via four large sliding doors, which can be opened all the way to make it an extension of the living room.

The carpeted master bedroom features a new, California King bed. Water level views allow you a birds eye connection with the egrets, mallards and harbor seals. Large walk-in closets add to the feeling of luxury. The expansive master bathroom also has bay views and and a tub and walk-in shower.

Down below, the other two bedrooms also have views right above waterline, where seals and waterfowl can swim up and eyeball you.

The kitchen has been remodeled with a an extraordinary Wolf six-burner range, with a gas grill and huge oven. The set up is perfect for gourmet meals or reheating your leftovers from one of the many excellent local restaurants. The kitchen is abundantly stocked with all the necessary pots, pans, utensils and appliances. There is a full table setting for 10 and uncharacteristically for a rental, all the knives have been freshly sharpened.

The float containing all watercraft is right off the back deck, providing easy access to the three kayaks and three stand-up paddle boards.

The Ferry is conveniently located between the natural beauty of the northern coast and the cosmopolitan charms of San Francisco. You can attend almost any event in the City and be home at the Ferry before you would find a parking place in San Francisco. A small library adjacent to the kitchen is stocked with and iPad and with books and tip and local attractions. The Ferry has high speed wireless. For water activities, the home is also supplied with a rowboat, two kayaks and two stand-up paddle boards. Surfboards, boogie boards and fins are also available.

There are an infinite variety of diversions to be found within a 30-minute drive of the boat. But often the best thing to do is simply sit by the bay with a good book, occasionally looking up to see the harbor seals or migrating waterfowl.

The Ferry is owned by the same couple who own the harbor. We live on the Ferry as well, in a completely separate unit with its own entrance and can be there to assist with any of your questions.

Please be aware that when then you stay on a houseboat, you are a guest in a close-knit community of fellow house boaters. These homeowners have chosen to live on the water because of a shared love of nature and a considerate community. It is essential that you respect the community rights to peace and privacy and conduct your residency the same, as you would expect from a next-door neighbor.

One other caveat. The ferry is reserved for registered guests and overnight usage. We regret it is not available as an event space for weddings or other large gatherings.

Guest access
The entire three bedroom house is accessible. The roof of the Ferry is off-limits as it makes leaks if you walk on the roof. Also it is not a good idea to swan dive at low tide.

Other things to note
It is a good idea to have a car. Public transportation, except for the ferry to SF is not great. But we are a ten minute drive to the city and it is very easy to get around in a car. Also a car is useful for going to the coast or the wine country.

Where you’ll sleep

1 of 2 pages

What this place offers

Kitchen
Wifi
Free parking on premises
TV with standard cable
Washer

Select check-in date

Add your travel dates for exact pricing

Rated 4.94 out of 5 from 295 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 94% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 5% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 1% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Sausalito, California, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

The Sausalito houseboat community is like no other in North America. You will enjoy walking the different the different docks and seeing many styles of houseboats that go from the ramshackle to million dollar palaces. (Of course you are staying on the most prominent.) Everybody is very friendly. However, like anyplace else, you should be respectful of quiet and privacy.

Meet your host

Superhost
295 reviews
4.94 out of 5 average rating
14 years of hosting
My work: Artist, Finance
Lives in Sausalito, California
The Tellis family adopted the City of Seattle in 1956, when we discovered her beached and abandoned along the Oakland estuary. We brought her back to Sausalito, fixed her up, and in various configurations we have been living here for the past 55 years. The boat is now owned and maintained by Chris Tellis and Isabella Kirkland who live at the other end the boat. Both of us have careers in the arts and environment. We love living on the water and are delighted to be able to share this magical setting with others from around the world.

Chris is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • Nate
  • Gretchen

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 4:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
6 guests maximum
Safety & property
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm